But in a robust defence of his country's policy, the charge d'affaires told the BBC that China had nothing to apologise for.

Yes, it was buying up African oil, he said, but importing no more globally than either the United States or Japan and he denied that China was undermining international attempts to put pressure on Sudan and Zimbabwe.

Beijing, he said, was only protecting its own interests and did not believe economic embargoes and disengagement were necessarily the best way to promote good governance.

Those words may have significance beyond Africa.

Not only has China fiercely resisted UN sanctions against Sudan for its Darfur policy, it has also been opposed to using the threat of sanctions against Iran and, judging by these comments, that is not about to change.

The interview with Zhou Yuxiao is broadcast in BBC Radio Four's World This Weekend programme at 1200 GMT